Dr. Dan Bamshad, DDS
September 05, 2025
Discover the benefits of a stainless steel crown for children’s teeth. Learn why it’s safe, durable, and the best choice for many Long Island families.
Introduction: Why Parents Ask About Stainless Steel Crowns
If you’re a Long Island parent, you may be surprised when your pediatric dentist recommends a crown for your child’s baby tooth. Specifically, many dentists suggest a stainless steel crown. This can raise questions: Why not just fill the tooth? Is a crown really necessary if the tooth will fall out anyway?
At Platinum Pediatric Dentistry, we often explain the benefits of a stainless steel crown for children with large cavities, broken teeth, or those who need strong, long-lasting protection. Stainless steel crowns have been used safely for decades in pediatric dentistry, and they remain one of the most reliable ways to restore baby teeth.
What Is a Stainless Steel Crown?
A stainless steel crown is a silver-colored cap that fully covers a child’s damaged or decayed tooth. Unlike fillings, which patch smaller areas of decay, a crown provides full coverage, protecting the tooth from future breakdown.
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), stainless steel crowns are the “gold standard” for restoring large cavities in baby molars because of their strength and durability.
Why Not Just Extract the Tooth?
Parents sometimes wonder why a baby tooth should be saved if it will eventually fall out. The answer lies in the important role baby teeth play:
- Space Maintenance: Baby teeth hold the space for adult teeth. Losing one too soon can cause crowding or alignment problems.
- Chewing and Nutrition: Molars are needed for chewing healthy foods.
- Speech Development: Front and back teeth support clear speech.
- Healthy Smile: Keeping teeth intact prevents shifting and bite issues.
If a tooth is lost too early, orthodontic treatment or space maintainers may be needed later. Preserving the tooth with a crown is often the most effective option.
Benefits of a Stainless Steel Crown
Here are the top reasons pediatric dentists recommend them:
- Durability: Stainless steel crowns can last until the baby tooth naturally falls out.
- Full Protection: They cover the entire tooth, preventing further decay.
- Cost-Effective: While the upfront cost may be higher than a filling, fewer retreatments are needed.
- Quick Placement: Pediatric dentists can often place crowns in a single visit.
- Proven Safety: Endorsed by the ADA and AAPD, they’ve been safely used for decades.
For Long Island families, this means fewer dental emergencies and more predictable outcomes.
When Are Stainless Steel Crowns Needed?
Stainless steel crowns are most often recommended for:
- Large cavities that fillings can’t repair
- Broken or fractured teeth
- Children who need treatment under sedation or general anesthesia (crowns reduce future treatment needs)
- Teeth treated with pulpotomy (“baby root canal”)
- Children at high risk for cavities
Step-by-Step: What to Expect
At Platinum Pediatric Dentistry, we make the process simple:
- Numbing the Tooth: Local anesthesia ensures your child feels comfortable.
- Shaping the Tooth: Minimal trimming prepares the tooth.
- Crown Placement: The pre-formed stainless steel crown is fitted and cemented.
- Final Check: We ensure a snug fit and correct bite.
The entire procedure is safe, quick, and effective.
Pros and Cons of Stainless Steel Crowns
Pros:
- Extremely durable
- Protects against future decay
- Affordable compared to repeated fillings
- Reliable for children with multiple cavities
Cons:
- Silver color is visible (though mostly on back teeth)
- May cause mild gum irritation at first (resolves quickly)
For front teeth, alternatives like white zirconia crowns may be offered, but for molars, stainless steel crowns remain the best choice.
Alternatives to Stainless Steel Crowns
- Fillings: Best for small cavities but may fail if decay is extensive.
- Extractions: Sometimes necessary, but may require a space maintainer.
- White Crowns (Zirconia): More aesthetic but less durable and more expensive.
Long Island Parents Often Ask
Q: What are the benefits of a stainless steel crown for children’s teeth?
A: They protect weak teeth, prevent decay from spreading, and last until the tooth falls out naturally.
Q: Are stainless steel crowns safe for kids?
A: Yes. They’ve been used safely for decades and are recommended by the AAPD.
Q: Will my child’s crown fall out with the baby tooth?
A: Yes. The crown naturally comes out when the baby tooth is lost.
Q: Are stainless steel crowns better than fillings?
A: For large cavities, yes. Fillings often fail on baby molars, but crowns provide long-term protection.
Final Thoughts for Long Island Families
At Platinum Pediatric Dentistry, we want your child to have the healthiest smile possible. The benefits of a stainless steel crown include durability, safety, and the ability to save teeth that might otherwise be lost too early.
For Long Island parents looking for trusted, child-friendly dental care, our office in Hempstead provides advanced treatment options tailored for children.